The FC Bayern women’s team got off to a successful start in the new Bundesliga season. The German champions defeated 1. FC Union Berlin 4–1. However, the lopsided score is somewhat misleading when it comes to the flow of the game. The Munich women struggled significantly, especially in the early going. Klara Bühl finally put the FCB on track with a dream free kick.
Following their Super Cup victory over VfL Wolfsburg, coach José Barcala’s team wanted to make an immediate statement in the Bundesliga as well. At first, however, the home team was the better side.
Just seven minutes in, Michelle Campbell slipped past the Bayern defense and narrowly missed Ena Mahmutovic’s goal. Union remained dangerous afterward as well. Mahmutovic was able to parry a long-range shot by Tomke Schneider in the 18th minute.
Bayern, on the other hand, struggled to create dangerous chances in front of the Berlin goal. Although Linda Dallmann had a header opportunity, the double champions initially lacked pace and punch overall.
Bühl scores a spectacular opening goal
That changed in the 26th minute. Jovana Damnjanovic drew a free kick just outside the penalty area. Bühl stepped up and converted it with a spectacular strike to give her team a 1-0 lead.
The goal served as a wake-up call. After the break, Bayern played with much greater determination and needed only a few seconds to score their second goal.
In the 47th minute, Pernille Harder capitalized on a mistake in Union’s defense and calmly slotted the ball home to make it 2–0. The Munich side then significantly increased the pressure. Dallmann, Amani, and Bühl all missed further scoring opportunities within a few minutes.
The score finally became 3–0 after an hour. Once again, Bühl played a decisive role. Her free-kick cross found Glodis Vigosdottir, who pushed the ball over the line as she fell.
Proost put the finishing touch on the game
However, the match wasn’t quite decided yet. Union didn’t give up and posed a threat once more in the closing stages.
Substitute Nele Bauereisen cut the lead to 1–3 in the 82nd minute. Shortly afterward, Sophie Weidauer even had a chance to make the game exciting again.
However, it was the Bavarians who had the final say. In the first minute of stoppage time, new signing Sophia Proost sealed the 4–1 final score with a strong solo effort.
This marks a successful start to the new Bundesliga season. In terms of play, there’s still room for improvement for the Munich team after a difficult first half. But with the Super Cup victory over Wolfsburg and the 4–1 win at Union, the double champions have successfully mastered their first two challenges of the new season.